Discover Sękacz, a traditional tree cake from Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus, known for its unique baking method and cultural history.
Tree cake, known as Sękacz in Polish and bankukha in Belarusian, is a traditional spit cake made with butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and cream. Baked on a rotating spit over an open fire or in an oven, it forms distinctive layers that resemble the rings of a tree.
Recognized Varieties
In Poland, several regional varieties of sękacz have been recognized as traditional products, such as Sękacz mazurski, listed in 2006, and Sękacz z Puszczy Rominckiej, listed in 2020. The tradition of baking this cake dates back to medieval times and is believed to have origins with the Baltic tribe Yotvingians.
Cultural Significance
The practice of baking sękacz has been preserved in regions of Germany, France, Switzerland, Romania, Hungary, and Japan. The cake holds cultural importance in Poland, with legends suggesting its introduction either during Queen Bona’s visit or via noble estates.